Purple Crowberry
Empetrum atropurpureumfam. Ericaceae
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Pl. 8418 — Empetrum atropurpureum
Empetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureumEmpetrum atropurpureum
IOverview
Overview
Purple Crowberry (Empetrum atropurpureum) is a subshrub native to the northeastern regions of North America, including Labrador, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and other parts of Canada such as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Québec. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH range of 4.3 to 7.8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic conditions. Known for its edible fruit, Purple Crowberry is both ornamental and useful, adding vibrant purple color to the landscape while providing a food source. One distinctive feature of this plant is its compact growth habit, reaching only about 0.2 meters in height.
Quick answers
What is Purple Crowberry?
Purple Crowberry (Empetrum atropurpureum) is a subshrub native to the northeastern regions of North America, including Labrador, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and other parts of Canada such as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Québec.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Purple Crowberry thrives in moist, light to medium soils with a pH between 4.3 and 7.8. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun to some extent. This subshrub grows up to 20 cm tall and is native to northeastern North America. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during fruiting. Propagation can be done through seed or cuttings. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates. Harvest the edible fruit when ripe for use in various culinary applications.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
4.3–7.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Purple Crowberry for the first time
8steps
Purple Crowberry is a low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners looking to add a hardy shrub to their garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix suitable for acid-loving plants. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in late summer to early spring, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Place plants in a partially shaded area until they establish roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially in sandy soils.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade during hot weather, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Purple Crowberry's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It grows naturally in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The fruits are typically enjoyed fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceRussia
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward I., Québec, Vermont, Minnesota, Alberta, Altay, Amur, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Labrador
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ericaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ericaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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